Grosafe EcoSpread Super Spreader

Have you sprayed a plant and seen gaps between the spray droplets? Adding EcoSpread Super Spreader to your solution causes the spray solution to spread evenly over the whole leaf surface. It is no secret that improving 'spreading' the spray solution over the whole leaf surface improves the potential for the plant to absorb the active ingredients insecticides, fungicides or nutrients in foliar applied fertilisers.

EcoSpread is a BioGro certified non-ionic surfactant from the organomodified trisiloxanes chemical class. These are the only agricultural adjuvants that can produce a phenomenon known as "super spreading", i.e. the rapid coverage of hydrophobic surfaces such as leaves at concentrations of 0.1% or less. Aqueous solutions containing EcoSpread have zero contact angle compared to water treated with conventional surfactants such as nonylphenol ethoxylates.

Super spreading is a consequence of lowering surface tension dramatically, i.e. below 25 mN/m. Hence, spray mixes containing EcoSpread can deliver plant protection products and foliar fertiliser more effectively by:

• Enhanced wetting action - complete wetting of treated plant leaves, stems, etc.
• Better targeting effect - by allowing the spray to reach locations that are normally not accessible.
• Improved cuticular penetration and stomatal flooding allow for better uptake through the waxy layer of leaves, entering stomata pores.

STOMATAL FLOODING

Stomata are microscopic pores in the leaf's surface that exchange water vapour, oxygen and carbon dioxide with the atmosphere. If spray solutions enter these minute openings, direct access is gained to the plant's intercellular structure. Once inside the sub-stomal cavity, the active ingredient is quickly absorbed by the spongy mesophyll and translocated throughout the plant, resulting in faster and more positive results.

CUTICULAR PENETRATION

The function of the waxy cuticle layer is to prevent water loss from the leaf surface. It is impervious nature also inhibits the entry of pesticides into the leaf. Silicone surfactants can enhance the passage of pesticides through the cuticle without damaging it.

BENEFITS

The outstanding physical-chemical properties of EcoSpread result in unique modes of action, which in turn provide benefits to the farmer because:

• EcoSpread allows a larger amount of active ingredients to enter the plant. This means that the active works even under difficult conditions
• EcoSpread provides rain fastness to agricultural sprays. Rain an hour after application can be tolerated with no need for re-spray
• EcoSpread permits the reduction of spray volumes by up to 30%. This contributes to saving time, money and environmental resources

In many field trials on a wide range of crops, independent institutes and extension services have successfully tested EcoSpread with:

• Micronutrients.
• Fungicides.
• Insecticides and acaricides.
• Plant growth regulators.
• Herbicides.
• Used as a soil wetting agent and dew control agent.

ADVANTAGES

EcoSpread safeguards the performance of pesticides and foliar fertilisers under unfavourable conditions:

• By delivering the active ingredient even under hot and dry conditions
• When weed species are mature and hardened
• When crops are covered by dust from the field
• After a cold period when the waxy layer of plants is thicker
• When plants have a limited surface, e.g. spikes
• When complete coverage is necessary, e.g. rose petals
• It helps dissolve solid formulations, e.g. WDG's and WP's

Therefore, EcoSpread offers a broad application range. It has no significant influence on spray droplet sizes.

ECOSPREAD SPREADER USE RATES

For home use, mix between 5 and 10 ml EcoSpread per 10 litres of water.

MIXING

1. Fill your container with the desired chemical and mix it well.
2. Shake the EcoSpread and add the required EcoSpread to your water solution.
3. Stir well and mix thoroughly.

COMPATIBILITY

EcoSpread is compatible with most fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, plant growth regulators and foliar nutrients, provided they are suited for low volume applications. EcoSpread should not be used where the product label prohibits the use of surfactants.

RAINFASTNESS

EcoSpread improves rain fastness. Rain one hour after application can be tolerated with no need for re-application.

ECOSPREAD DOWNLOADS

• Ecospread Label
• EcoSpread Technical Notes
• EcoSpread Safety Data Sheet
• EcoSpread Safety Card